If you are a researcher, academic, or student looking to publish your work, you need to be aware of one of the biggest threats in modern academia: predatory journals. These fake or low-quality publications charge researchers hefty article processing fees while providing no real peer review, no editorial standards, and zero scientific credibility.
This updated 2026 guide is based on the well-known Beall’s List — a resource originally compiled by librarian Jeffrey Beall and now maintained at beallslist.net. Whether you’re a researcher in India, the US, Europe, or anywhere else in the world, this post will help you identify and avoid journals that could damage your academic reputation.
What Is a Predatory Journal?
A predatory journal is a publication that exploits the open-access publishing model for profit. Instead of upholding rigorous academic standards, these journals:
- Charge authors to publish without providing legitimate peer review
- Use deceptive names that mimic reputable journals
- Claim false indexing in databases like DOAJ, Scopus, or Web of Science
- Have fake editorial boards with fabricated or stolen names of real scholars
- Publish almost anything — regardless of quality — as long as fees are paid
- Have no retraction policies or correction mechanisms
Publishing in a predatory journal can have serious consequences — grant applications may be rejected, job applications denied, and your scholarly credibility undermined.
About Beall’s List: The Gold Standard for Spotting Predatory Journals
Beall’s List was created by Jeffrey Beall, an academic librarian at the University of Colorado Denver. It became the most trusted and widely referenced resource for identifying predatory publishers and standalone journals. After the original list was taken down in 2017, a community-maintained archived version continues at beallslist.net, which is updated with new additions and corrections.
Important note: Some journals on the list have since been indexed in legitimate databases like DOAJ or JCR. Where noted, those journals are most likely no longer predatory. Always cross-check before making a publishing decision.
10 Warning Signs a Journal May Be Predatory
Before submitting your paper anywhere, check for these red flags:
1. Unsolicited emails inviting you to submit a paper — often flattering and generic
2. Unrealistically fast peer review (e.g., “accepted within 24 hours”)
3. Journal name mimics a prestigious journal (e.g., “American Journal of…” or “European Journal of…”)
4. No clear information about article processing charges (APCs) upfront
5. Fake or stolen editorial board members
6. Poor website quality, spelling errors, or broken links
7. Claims to be indexed in Scopus, PubMed, or Web of Science — but is not
8. No ISSN or a fake/duplicate ISSN
9. Broad, catch-all scope covering every possible topic
10. Publisher headquartered in a country with a high volume of predatory journals but claims to be based in the US or UK
The 2026 Predatory Journal Warning List
Below is a comprehensive list of standalone journals flagged as potentially predatory, based on the archived Beall’s List at beallslist.This includes both the original list (last updated January 9, 2017) and subsequent updates (last updated February 7, 2025).
Note: Some entries have been annotated to reflect indexing in DOAJ or JCR, which may indicate the journal is no longer predatory. Always verify independently.
A
- Academic Exchange Quarterly
- Academic Research Reviews
- Academy of Contemporary Research Journal (AOCRJ)
- ACME Intellects
- Acta Advances in Agricultural Sciences (AAAS)
- Acta Kinesiologica
- Acta Medica International
- Acta Scientiae et Intellectus
- Acta Velit
- Advances in Aerospace Science and Technology (AAST)
- Advances in Biomedicine and Pharmacy (ABP)
- Advances in Forestry Letter
- Advances in Science, Technology and Engineering Systems Journal (ASTESJ)
- African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines (AJTCAM)
- Aging
- Al Ameen Journal of Medical Sciences (AJMS)
- American Based Research Journal (ABRJ)
- American International Journal of Contemporary Research (AIJCR)
- American Journal of Advanced Agricultural Research (AJAAR)
- American Journal of Advanced Drug Delivery
- American Journal of Advanced Scientific Research (AJASR)
- American Journal of Biotechnology and Medical Research
- American Journal of Engineering Research
- American Journal of Essential Oils and Natural Products
- American Journal of Innovative Research and Applied Sciences (AJIRAS)
- American Journal of Pharmacy and Health Research (AJPHR)
- American Journal of PharmTech Research (AJPTR)
- American Journal of Phytomedicine and Clinical Therapeutics
- American Journal of Research Communication (AJRC)
- American Journal of Scientific Research
- American Journal of Social Issues and Humanities
- American Research Thoughts
- American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS)
- American Transactions on Engineering & Applied Sciences
- Annals of British Medical Sciences (ABMS)
- Annals of Clinical Case Reports
- Annals of International Medical and Dental Research (AIMDR)
- Annals of Medical and Biomedical Sciences (AMBS)
- Annals of Phytomedicine
- Applied Research Journal
- Archives Des Sciences Journal
- Archives of Clinical and Experimental Surgery (currently indexed by DOAJ)
- ARPN Journal of Science and Technology
- ARPN Journal of Systems and Software
- Asia Pacific Journal of Education, Arts and Sciences (APJEAS)
- Asia Pacific Journal of Multidisciplinary Research
- Asian Journal of Applied Science and Engineering
- Asian Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Asian Journal of Business and Management Sciences (AJBMS)
- Asian Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Asian Journal of Mathematics and Applications
- Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies
- Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences
- Asian Journal of Pharmacy and Life Science
- Asian Journal of Science and Technology
- Asian Pacific Journal of Health Sciences (APJHS)
- Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease
- Asian Research Journal of Business Management (ARJBM)
- Australasian Journal of Herpetology
- Australasian Medical Journal (AMJ) (indexed by DOAJ and JCR)
- Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences
- Australian Journal of Business and Management Research (AJBMR)
- Astronomical Review
- Ayupharm: International Journal of Ayurveda and Allied Sciences
B
- Bio Bulletin
- Bioinformation
- Biointerface Research in Applied Chemistry
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Bulletin
- Biomedical & Pharmacology Journal
- Biomedical Engineering Review
- Biopharm Journal
- The Bioscan
- Bioresearch Bulletin
- Bioscience and Bioengineering Communications (BBC)
- Bioscience Biotechnology Research Communications (BBRC)
- Bioscience Discovery
- Biosciences, Biotechnology Research Asia (BBRA)
- Biotechnological Research
- Botany Journal
- British Biomedical Bulletin
- British Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Sciences
- British Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies
- British Journal of Medical and Health Research (BJMHR)
- British Journal of Science
- Bulletin of Applied and Research Science (BARS)
- Bulletin of Environment, Pharmacology and Life Sciences (BEPLS) (indexed in JCR)
- Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences & Applications
- Bulletin of Pharmaceutical Research
- Business and Economics Journal
C – D
- Canadian Chemical Transactions
- Canadian International Journal of Science and Technology
- Canadian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences
- Canadian Journal of Biotechnology
- Canadian Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences
- Canadian Scientific Journal
- Cancer Research Frontiers
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
- Caribbean Journal of Science and Technology
- Case Study and Case Report
- The Caspian Sea Journal (CSJ)
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Chemical Science Transactions
- Chemistry Research Journal
- Clinics in Oncology
- Clinics in Surgery
- Communications on Applied Electronics (CAE)
- Computational Research Progress in Applied Science & Engineering
- Computer Science Chronicle
- Computer Science Journal
- Contemporary Research in India
- Current Biotica
- Current Botany
- Current Discovery
- Current Trends in Technology and Sciences (CTTS)
- DAV International Journal of Science (DAVIJS)
- Der Pharma Chemica
- Diyala Journal for Pure Science (DJPS)
E – F
- East European Science Journal
- Eastern Academic Journal
- Eastern European Scientific Journal
- Ecoforum
- Electronic Journal of Biology (eJBio)
- Electronic Journal of Engineering and Technology (EJET)
- The Electronic Journal of Geotechnical Engineering (EJGE)
- Elixir International Journal
- Engineering Research Journal
- Entomology and Applied Science Letters (EASL)
- Euro-Afro Journal of Arts and Social Sciences (EAJASS)
- European Academic Research
- European Chemical Bulletin (ECB)
- European International Journal of Science and Technology
- European Journal of Academic Essays (EJAE)
- European Journal of Advanced Computer Science (EJACS)
- European Journal of Advances in Engineering & Technology (EJAET)
- European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (EJBPS)
- European Journal of Biotechnology and Bioscience
- European Journal of Business and Social Sciences (EJBSS)
- European Journal of Chemistry (EurJChem)
- European Journal of Educational Research (EUJER) — note: different from the legitimate EU-JER
- European Journal of Educational Sciences (EJES)
- European Journal of Engineering Research and Science (EJERS)
- European Journal of Natural History (EJNH)
- European Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research (EJPMR)
- European Journal of Scientific Research
- European Journal of Sustainable Development
- European Online Journal of Natural and Social Sciences
- European Scientific Journal
- Food Biology
- Frontiers in Aerospace Engineering
G – H
- Galaxy: International Multidisciplinary Research Journal
- Genes & Cancer
- Genetics and Molecular Research
- Global Journal for Research Analysis (GJRA)
- Global Journal of Advanced Engineering Technologies and Sciences (GJAETS)
- Global Journal of Advanced Research (GJAR)
- Global Journal of Business and Social Science (GJBSS)
- Global Journal of Engineering Science and Research Management (GJESRM)
- Global Journal of Management Science and Technology
- Global Journal of Medical and Health Sciences (GJM)
- Global Journal of Medicine and Public Health
- Global Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies (GJMS)
- Global Media Journal
- Golden Research Thoughts
- HortFlora Research Spectrum (HRS)
- Hygeia: Journal for Drugs and Medicines
I — International Journals (Selected)
This section contains only a representative selection. The complete list of “International Journal of…” entries on Beall’s List numbers in the hundreds. Always verify any “International Journal” at beallslist.net before submitting.
- International Advanced Research Journal in Science, Engineering and Technology (IARJSET)
- International Archives of BioMedical and Clinical Research (IABCR)
- International Archives of Medicine
- International Ayurvedic Medical Journal (IAMJ)
- International Journal of Academic Research
- International Journal of Advance Engineering and Research Development (IJAERD)
- International Journal of Advanced and Innovative Research (IJAIR)
- International Journal of Advanced Computer Technology (IJACT)
- International Journal of Advanced Engineering Research and Science (IJAERS)
- International Journal of Advanced Networking and Applications (IJANA)
- International Journal of Advanced Research
- International Journal of Advanced Research in Biological Sciences (IJARBS)
- International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer and Communication Engineering (IJARCCE)
- International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science and Software Engineering (IJARCSSE)
- International Journal of Advanced Research in Electrical, Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering (IJAREEIE)
- International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Engineering and Technology (IJARSET)
- International Journal of Agriculture and Crop Sciences (IJACS)
- International Journal of Applied Linguistics & English Literature (IJALEL)
- International Journal of Applied Research
- International Journal of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology (IJASBT)
- International Journal of Biomedical Science
- International Journal of Business and Commerce
- International Journal of Chemical Studies (IJCS)
- International Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research (IJCDR)
- International Journal of Computer Applications
- International Journal of Computer Science and Information Security
- International Journal of Computer Science and Mobile Computing (IJCSMC)
- International Journal of Computer Science Trends and Technology (IJCST)
- International Journal of Contemporary Medical Research (IJCMR)
- International Journal of Current Medical Sciences
- International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences
- International Journal of Current Research
- International Journal of Drug Development and Research (IJDDR)
- International Journal of Education and Research
- International Journal of Electrochemical Science
- International Journal of Electronics & Communication Technology (IJECT)
- International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR)
- International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology (IJEAT)
- International Journal of Engineering and Computer Science (IJECS)
- International Journal of Engineering and Innovative Technology (IJEIT)
- International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA)
- International Journal of Engineering Research and Development (IJERD)
- International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT)
- International Journal of Engineering Science and Computing (IJESC)
- International Journal of Engineering Science and Innovative Technology (IJESIT)
- International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT)
- International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology (IJEAB)
- International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI)
- International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology (IJIRSET)
- International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering (IJITEE)
- International Journal of Medical Research & Health Sciences (IJMRHS)
- International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development
- International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (IJPSR)
- International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- International Journal of Scientific Research (IJSR)
- International Journal of Scientific Research and Publications (IJSRP)
- International Journal of Social Science and Humanity (IJSSH)
- International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
- International Research Journal of Pharmacy (IRJP)
J
- Journal of Academic Social Science Studies (JASSS) (indexed by DOAJ)
- Journal of Advanced Agricultural Technologies (JOAAT)
- Journal of Advances in Civil Engineering (JACE)
- Journal of Advances in Science and Technology
- Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons (JPANDS)
- Journal of Applied Biology & Biotechnology (JABB)
- Journal of Applied Economics and Business
- Journal of Applied Linguistics and Language Research (JALLR)
- Journal of Applied Pharmacy
- Journal of Arts and Humanities
- Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences (JAIMS)
- Journal of Behavioral Health
- Journal of Biological Sciences and Medicine (JBSM)
- Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research (JBPR)
- Journal of Business Studies Quarterly (JBSQ)
- Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research
- Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Journal of Clinical and Analytical Medicine (JCAM)
- Journal of Cosmology
- Journal of Current Pharma Research
- Journal of Drug Discovery and Therapeutics (JDDT)
- Journal of Economics and Banking
- Journal of Education and Social Science
- Journal of Emerging Trends in Computing and Information Sciences
- Journal of Engineering Innovation & Research (JEIR)
- Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies
- Journal of Environmental Biology
- Journal of Environmental Nanotechnology
- Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences (JEBAS)
- Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment (JFAE)
- Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences
- Journal of Global Biosciences
- Journal of HerbMed Pharmacology (JHP)
- Journal of Industrial and Intelligent Information (JIII)
- Journal of Innovations in Applied Pharmaceutical Science (JIAPS)
- Journal of Innovative Engineering
- Journal of International Academic Research for Multidisciplinary (JIARM)
- Journal of Intercultural Ethnopharmacology
- Journal of Investigational Biochemistry
- Journal of Materials and Environmental Science (JMES)
- Journal of Medical Biomedical and Applied Sciences
- Journal of Medical Science and Clinical Research (JMSCR)
- Journal of Microbiology and Antimicrobial Agents (JMAA)
- Journal of Multidisciplinary Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)
- Journal of Multidisciplinary Engineering Science Studies (JMESS)
- Journal of Nature and Science (JNSCI)
- Journal of Neurology & Neuromedicine
- Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences (JPBMS)
- Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
- Journal of Pharmacy Research (JPR)
- Journal of Physical Therapy Science (JPTS)
- Journal of Research in Biology
- Journal of Science
- Journal of Scientific Research and Development
- Journal of Social Issues & Humanities
- Journal of Software (JSW)
L – O
- Lecture Notes on Software Engineering (LNSE)
- Letters in Applied NanoBioScience
- Mathematical and Computational Applications (MCA)
- Medical Research Archives
- Medico Research Chronicles
- Mediterranean Journal of Biosciences (MJB)
- Mediterranean Journal of Chemistry
- Modern Journal of Language Teaching Methods (MJLTM)
- Munis Entomology & Zoology
- NanoWorld Journal (NWJ)
- National Journal of Basic Medical Sciences
- National Journal of Community Medicine
- Norwegian Journal of Development of the International Science
- OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development
- Oncoscience
- Oncotarget
- Online International Interdisciplinary Research Journal
- Open Access Journal of Science and Technology
- Open Journal of Clinical & Medical Case Reports
P – R
- Paripex Indian Journal of Research (PIJR)
- Pattern Recognition in Physics
- Pharma Innovation
- Pharmaceutical and Biological Evaluations
- Pharmacognosy: Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
- Pharmacologia
- PharmacologyOnline (PhOL)
- Progress in Physics
- Quarterly Physics Review
- Reef Resources Assessment and Management Technical Paper
- Research Chronicler
- Research Dimension
- Research Inventy: International Journal of Engineering and Science
- Research Journal of Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences (RJPBCS)
- Review of Research
- Reviews of Progress
- Revista Iberoamericana de Ciencas
S – Z
- Science International
- Science Postprint (SPP)
- Science Reuters
- Scientific Research Journal (Scirj)
- Scottish Journal of Arts, Social Sciences and Scientific Studies (SJASS)
- Sensors & Transducers Journal
- Shiraz E-Medical Journal
- South Asian Journal of Food Technology and Environment
- South Asian Journal of Mathematics
- South Pacific Journal of Technology and Science (SPJTS)
- Sport Science
- Swedish Journal of Scientific Research (SJSR)
- Technical Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences (TJEAS)
- Technics Technologies Education Management
- Tropical Plant Research
- Turkish Journal of Scientific Research
- Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology (TOJET)
- Universal Journal of Applied Computer Science and Technology
- Universal Journal of Pharmaceutical Research (UJPR)
- Universe of Emerging Technology and Science (UNIETS)
- Weekly Science International Research Journal
- World Applied Sciences Journal
- World Journal of Engineering Research and Technology (WJERT)
- World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research (WJPMR)
- World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences (WJPLS)
- World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research (WJPR)
- World Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (WJPS)
- World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (WJPPS)
- World Journal of Research and Review (WJRR)
- World Journal of Science and Technology (WJST)
- World Medical Student Journal (WorldMSJ)
- World Scientific News
- World Wide Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development
Hijacked Journals: A Growing Threat
A newer form of academic fraud involves “journal hijacking” — where scammers clone the website of a legitimate, reputable journal and use the same or very similar name to collect submissions and fees. The Beall’s List update section has identified many such hijackers, including:
- Adalya Journal — hijacker of a legitimate journal
- Aegaeum — hijacker of a legitimate journal
- ARCTIC Journal — hijacker of a legitimate journal
- BOREAL ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH — hijacker, note the URL
- FOURRAGES — hijacker of a legitimate journal
- High Technology Letters — hijacker of a legitimate journal
- International Medical Journal — hijacker of the legitimate imj-1994.com
- Journal of Engineering Technology (JoET) — hijacker of a legitimate journal
- Journal of Southwest Jiaotong University — hijacker
- Journal of Talent Development and Excellence (JTDE) — hijacker
- Journal of University of Shanghai for Science and Technology (JUSST) — hijacker
- Journal of Xi’an University of Architecture & Technology — hijacker
- Journal of Xidian University — hijacker
- Opcion — hijacker of a legitimate journal
- Paideuma Journal of Research — hijacker
- POLISH POLAR RESEARCH — hijacker
- Preslia Journal — hijacker
- Technology Reports of Kansai University — hijacker
- TEST: Engineering & Management — hijacker (note the “a” in “magazine” in the URL)
- Turkish Journal of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation — hijacker
Tip: Always check the exact URL before submitting. Hijacker websites often differ from the legitimate version by just one letter, a hyphen, or a different domain extension.
How to Verify a Journal Before You Submit
Follow these steps before submitting to any journal:
Step 1: Search the journal name or URL on beallslist.net
Step 2: Check if the journal is listed in DOAJ (doaj.org), Scopus, or Web of Science
Step 3: Look up the editorial board members — search their names on Google Scholar or LinkedIn
Step 4: Check the journal’s ISSN at portal.issn.org
Step 5: Read 2-3 published papers for quality — grammar, formatting, citations, and methodology
Step 6: Ask a trusted colleague or librarian for a second opinion
Step 7: If in doubt, do not submit
Trusted Resources for Finding Legitimate Journals
- Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) — doaj.org
- Web of Science Journal List — webofscience.com
- Scopus Source List — scopus.com
- JANE (Journal/Author Name Estimator) — jane.biosemantics.org
- Think. Check. Submit. — thinkchecksubmit.org
- Beall’s List (maintained archive) — beallslist.net
- PubMed (for biomedical sciences) — pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Conclusion: Protect Your Research Reputation
Predatory journals are a serious and growing threat to the academic community. They exploit the publish-or-perish culture in academia and prey on researchers — particularly early-career academics and those from developing countries — who may be under pressure to publish quickly.
The best defense is awareness. Bookmark neopharmanutshellcommunity, share this list with your colleagues, and always take the time to verify a journal before you submit. Your research deserves to be published somewhere it will be seen, respected, and cited by the genuine scientific community.
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